3T MRI Scanner

At Southeast Alabama Medical Center (SAMC) patients and physicians now have access to the region's only digital broadband magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system: the Ingenia 3-Tesla (3-T) from Philips Healthcare.

This revolutionary machine is designed to quickly perform high-quality MRI scans with a high level of patient comfort. The 3-T can reduce exam time by up to 30 percent and has a wide opening to accommodate patients of varying size, age and physical condition.

This makes the 3-T less confining than other MRI systems and a more attractive noninvasive imaging option for patients at SAMC. In fact, most scans can be performed with the patient's head entirely out of the opening, creating a better patient experience.

The Ingenia 3.0T incorporates a number of breakthrough technologies designed to deliver exceptional image clarity for a broad range of diagnostic applications. It quickly provides radiologists with precise, detailed MRI images needed to confidently diagnose many different anatomical and structural problems in the body – including brain and nervous system disorders, cardiovascular disease and organ disease.

"What this does is keep us out front," said Jennifer Gill, MRI supervisor at SAMC. "The image quality is excellent and it's extremely fast. We can perform routine exams of the brain, spine, knee, ankle and liver much more quickly with superb image quality. It gives our radiologists and referring physicians access to the clear images they need to make informed diagnoses. With the 3-T, our patients experience faster, more comfortable exams and fewer re-scans. It is a win-win for our clinicians and our patients."

An MRI allows physicians to see inside the body without surgery or exposing patients to radiation. The 3-T system produces clear, detailed images of internal organs and structures from many angles, giving physicians better information quickly.

A Tesla is the unit of measurement used in determining the strength of a magnetic field. Prior to the 3-T, the standard was a 1.5-T. The 3-T is twice the strength, providing the very best image clarity.

To learn more about MRI at SAMC, contact Public Relations at 334-793-8107.